A federal jury has awarded $126 million to the family of Emily Gaines, a Moore High School senior who was tragically killed in a 2019 crash involving off-duty police officer Sgt. Kyle Lloyd. The civil rights lawsuit targeted both the City of Moore and Lloyd, who had been convicted for speeding at nearly 100 miles per hour in a 50-mile-per-hour zone.
However, according to the family’s attorney, Chris Hammons, the case was never about the financial compensation. Instead, the Gaines family sought justice and accountability for the senseless loss of their daughter.
The Crash and the Fight for Justice
The incident occurred on December 2019, when Emily was on her way to take the ACT. Lloyd, an off-duty police officer, was driving at an excessive speed when he collided with Emily’s car near SE 134th and Sooner Road. Tragically, Emily did not survive the crash.
Emily’s mother, Dana Gaines, has consistently described her daughter as a compassionate young woman with “a big heart” who loved helping others. In the wake of the crash, Dana Gaines said, “I don’t want this to just disappear and never be spoken of again,” emphasizing her desire for justice.
The 14th Amendment Rights Violation
While Sgt. Kyle Lloyd is currently serving an 18-year prison sentence—nine years in prison followed by nine years of probation—the Gaines family pursued further legal action in federal court. They argued that Lloyd had violated Emily’s 14th Amendment rights, which guarantee due process and equal protection under the law.
Hammons, the family’s attorney, asserted that on the day of the crash, Lloyd was still operating within his capacity as a police officer while delivering keys for a “Shop with a Cop” event, even though he was off-duty.
The family’s legal team argued that Lloyd’s actions demonstrated a pattern of negligence and lack of accountability within police departments, highlighting the need for a change in how officers hold each other accountable for breaking the law.
A Larger Message About Accountability
Attorney Chris Hammons stressed that the family’s fight was about more than just a financial settlement. “When these rules on the road that protect us all are broken by somebody that knows better, we need to do something about that,” Hammons said. “It’s just a culture that happens, and it’s natural.
Police officers let other police officers go speeding, or they hit their lights and get to an intersection when there’s no emergency. And that’s the idea—maybe tone that down and maybe hold each other accountable.”
Despite the large monetary verdict, Hammons expects the City of Moore to appeal the decision, which would prolong the legal battle. However, the Gaines family’s continued fight in court serves as a reminder of their determination to ensure that Emily’s death is not forgotten and that those responsible for her loss are held accountable.
A Significant Step Toward Accountability
While the $126 million award is substantial, the Gaines family’s legal efforts are about more than financial compensation—they are about holding individuals accountable, particularly when police officers break the law and endanger the lives of others.
The case has raised important questions about accountability within police departments and the need for a cultural shift that emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and justice for victims of police misconduct.
